FC Leopards suffered heartbreaking relegation from the MTN Super League despite defeating Nkwazi FC 1-0 on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
The “Correct Boys” did everything possible to save themselves in Kabwe, but results elsewhere ultimately condemned them to relegation alongside Mines United.
Meanwhile, NAPSA Stars secured survival with a crucial victory over Mutondo Stars, while ZESCO United ended the season in explosive fashion with a 6-1 demolition of ZANACO in Ndola.
FC MUZA also completed an impressive campaign after defeating Kabwe Warriors to clinch third place on the final day.
Leopards Win But Still Go Down
FC Leopards entered the final round knowing only victory would give them a chance of survival.
Joshua Mapande gave the Correct Boys hope when he scored in the 40th minute to hand Leopards a vital 1-0 lead against Nkwazi FC.
The goal appeared enough to spark celebrations among the Leopards faithful, but joy quickly turned into heartbreak after news arrived that NAPSA Stars had also won in Lusaka.
The result meant FC Leopards finished the season on 34 points, one behind NAPSA Stars, confirming their relegation from the MTN Super League.
NAPSA Stars Escape the Drop
In Lusaka, NAPSA Stars secured their top-flight status with a tense 1-0 victory over Mutondo Stars.
Matthews Tolopa emerged as the hero for the Pensioners after scoring the decisive goal in the 68th minute.
The victory lifted NAPSA to 35 points and ensured survival in one of the most dramatic relegation battles of the season.
ZESCO United Hit ZANACO for Six
At Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, ZESCO United delivered one of their best performances of the season by thrashing ZANACO 6-1 in a ruthless display.
Leonard Mulenga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Derrick Obame doubled the lead on 31 minutes.
Elvis Addae added a third just three minutes later as ZESCO overwhelmed the Bankers during a devastating first-half spell.
ZANACO briefly responded through Dominic Kanda in the 38th minute, but the comeback never materialised.
Abraham Siankombo restored ZESCO’s four-goal cushion in the 58th minute before late strikes from Amine Hiver and Anthony Chiyuka completed the humiliation.
Despite the emphatic victory, ZESCO finished the season in 10th place with 47 points, while ZANACO ended seventh on 50 points after missing out on a top-three finish.
MUZA Seal Third Place
Elsewhere, FC MUZA completed a strong campaign by defeating Kabwe Warriors 2-1 to secure third place on the league table.
Given Kalusa starred for MUZA with a first-half brace, scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before adding another just before halftime.
Tryson Banda pulled one back for Kabwe Warriors in the 72nd minute, but MUZA held firm to secure all three points.
The victory saw MUZA finish third on 51 points, edging Kabwe Warriors on goal difference.
Final Day Results
MTN Super League – Week 34
Sunday, May 24, 2026
- NAPSA Stars 1-0 Mutondo Stars
(Matthews Tolopa 68’)
- FC Leopards 1-0 Nkwazi FC
(Joshua Mapande 40’)
- FC MUZA 2-1 Kabwe Warriors
(Given Kalusa 28’, 45’ | Tryson Banda 72’)
- ZESCO United 6-1 ZANACO
(Leonard Mulenga 20’, Derrick Obame 31’, Elvis Addae 34’, Abraham Siankombo 58’, Amine Hiver 90’, Anthony Chiyuka 90+3 | Dominic Kanda 38’)
Conclusion
The final day of the MTN Super League season delivered drama, heartbreak, and goals across the country.
For FC Leopards, victory over Nkwazi was ultimately not enough to preserve their top-flight status as NAPSA Stars survived by the narrowest of margins.
At the same time, ZESCO United ended their campaign with a statement victory, while FC MUZA celebrated an impressive top-three finish after a strong season.
